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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA <info@ecobankatmcard.org>
Reply-To: ecobankplcpayment@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:21:10 +0800
Subject: 2009 INFORMATION / TREAT URGENTLY

Attn Beneficiary,
With due respect. it was a big shock and surprise development as regards to your contract /inheritance payment. I am here to inform you that the people you ask to represent you here have gone a long way to effect some changes in your account from various concerned Ministries. Even according to my findings now, a Woman named Mrs Angela came to my office this morning with a letter claiming to be from you, asking to release your payment to her, I told her to wait untill I reach you before I will release the payment to her. please kindly inform us if you sent her to our office and should we release your payment to her? please let us hear from you with your correct Tel/Fax, contact Address information's and phone number immedaitely as soon as you receive this email,we want to take urgent action.
Best Regards
Rev Ed Debany
Eco Bank Fund Payment Department
Phone: +234-8038-369-954


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